Oftentimes, when we discuss monasteries and religious complexes as tourist attractions, it is because there is an incredible architectural or artistic heritage to be observed on site that is has invaluable cultural heritage. However, while the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat has a rich historic and cultural heritage, its ruins don't have any one specific architectural landmark.
For many, there is only one reason to visit: the statue of the Black Madonna, patron saint of Catalonia. For others, it is the mountainous backdrop of the place or the incredible views that attract them to the site. No matter your reason for visiting, this stunning complex is sure to delight as the combination of elements is pretty magical.
The monastery is located 48km west of Barcelona, at the heart of Montserrat Natural Park, and is reached by road, train or cable car. The latter two options add to the charm of visiting the site, giving you ample opportunity to soak up the views and to step back in time a little.
For many, there is only one reason to visit: the statue of the Black Madonna, patron saint of Catalonia. For others, it is the mountainous backdrop of the place or the incredible views that attract them to the site. No matter your reason for visiting, this stunning complex is sure to delight as the combination of elements is pretty magical.
The monastery is located 48km west of Barcelona, at the heart of Montserrat Natural Park, and is reached by road, train or cable car. The latter two options add to the charm of visiting the site, giving you ample opportunity to soak up the views and to step back in time a little.
The train station is operated by FGC and is the terminus of a rack railway and two funicular railways, one connecting with the shrine and chapel of Santa Cova lower down the mountain and the other with the upper slopes of the mountain.
The trip to Montserrat from Barcelona takes about an hour and a half and then you take the cable car or rack railway up the hill from the "Aeri de Montserrat" or "Monistrol de Montserrat" stop. The rack railway costs €8.45 (roundtrip ticket) and the cable car is €10 (roundtrip ticket) for adults. Combined tickets can be bought for those planning a day trip from Barcelona and there are two different options: the Trans Montserrat (€ 26.60) and Tot Montserrat (€ 42.65) ticket.
These can be bought from the vending machines inside the stations of the FGC, the Catalan railway, at Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya. These tickets include two metro rides, the train ride to Montserrat and back, the ride with the funicular or rack railway, the continuation with the funicular and the entrance to the audiovisual exhibition.
The trip to Montserrat from Barcelona takes about an hour and a half and then you take the cable car or rack railway up the hill from the "Aeri de Montserrat" or "Monistrol de Montserrat" stop. The rack railway costs €8.45 (roundtrip ticket) and the cable car is €10 (roundtrip ticket) for adults. Combined tickets can be bought for those planning a day trip from Barcelona and there are two different options: the Trans Montserrat (€ 26.60) and Tot Montserrat (€ 42.65) ticket.
These can be bought from the vending machines inside the stations of the FGC, the Catalan railway, at Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya. These tickets include two metro rides, the train ride to Montserrat and back, the ride with the funicular or rack railway, the continuation with the funicular and the entrance to the audiovisual exhibition.
The Tot Montserrat ticket option also includes the entrance to the museum and a meal at the restaurant. Note: Remember that of the two options presented, “Aeri" is for the funicular (meaning you get out at the "Montserrat-Aeri" station) and "Cremalla" is for the rack railway (the "Monistrol de Montserrat" station).
However, there is actually much more to see and do at Montserrat beyond the trains and cable cars that take you up it, so read on to the next post in this series for more information on this rather extraordinary site. Just find a vacation rental in Catalonia and plan your trip to Montserrat the next time you visit Spain.
However, there is actually much more to see and do at Montserrat beyond the trains and cable cars that take you up it, so read on to the next post in this series for more information on this rather extraordinary site. Just find a vacation rental in Catalonia and plan your trip to Montserrat the next time you visit Spain.